That night, the Headmaster called a secret meeting.
Only senior students and high mages were allowed to attend.
Yukino, hidden behind the curtain, overheard every word.
> "Project Bloom has been reactivated," said the Headmaster gravely.
"We will create the world anew."
A chorus of voices responded:
> "For the salvation of mankind."
But to Yukino, their chant sounded like chains tightening around fate.
Outside, Kael II stood atop the bell tower,
watching the lights of the Academy below.
> "If she learns the truth," he whispered, "she'll hate me again."
"But this time... I'll destroy it all before it destroys her."
As thunder rolled across the night sky,
the petals of the sacred cherry trees began to bloom—
out of season, glowing faintly with golden light.
And far away, the original Kael dreamt of a girl calling his name through endless worlds.
> "Tarou… please don't disappear again."